VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 1 DECEMBER 2014 MIMBRES MESSENGER

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1 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 1 A FREE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014 MIMBRES MESSENGER MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR - SANTA CLAUS A/K/A Papá Noel, St. Nicholas, Sinter Klaas, Father Christmas, Old Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Père Noël (As summarized from a National Geographic article by Brian Handwerk and from a HistoryChannel.com article) Ask any San Lorenzo student and they can tell you that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole not Mimbres. But every December 24 th, this fat guy dressed in a red suit visits the Mimbres Valley. Where did he come from and why does he do it? His historical journey is even longer and more fantastic than his annual, one-night circumnavigation of the globe. Santa Claus s origins can be traced back to around 280 A.D. to a monk named St. Nicholas. He was much admired for his piety and kindness and it is said he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. About 1200 A.D., his popularity had spread, and by the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. He became the unchallenged bringer of gifts, and the protector of children and sailors. He took on some aspects of earlier European deities, like the Norse Odin, who appeared as a white-bearded man and had magical powers like flight. He also ensured that kids toed the line by saying their prayers and practicing good behavior. Around 1500 A.D. after the Protestant Reformation, saints like Nicholas fell out of favor, and St. Nicholas was no exception, except in the Netherlands where people simply refused to give up St. Nicholas as a gift giver, and brought his legends with them to the New World colonies. The name Santa Claus evolved from St. Nicholas Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas. In early America, Christmas did not resemble the modern holiday. The holiday was shunned by the Puritans in New England, but was celebrated in other parts of the country as a rowdy, outdoor, community blowout with no shortage of alcohol. There was no magical gift bringer. During the early 19 th century, all that changed due to a series of poets and writers who helped to make Christmas a family celebration and helped to remake the image of St. Nicholas. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a Christmas poem for his three daughters entitled An account of a Visit from St. Nicholas. Due to the frivolous nature of the subject it was originally published anonymously. In modern day vernacular, it went viral. This poem, known today as T was the Night Before Christmas, is largely responsible for our modern image of Santa Claus as a portly figure with the ability to ascend a chimney with a mere nod of his head, who flies from house to house on Christmas Eve in a miniature sleigh led by eight flying reindeer and leaves presents for deserving children. Continued on page 3

2 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 2 VOLUNTEER STAFF Franz Raiter, Editor Anna Willhite, Copy Editor Marilyn Markel, Contributing Writer Jan Tripp, Printing Chris DeBolt, Coordinator Grace Williams Distribution Mary Willhite, Production & Advertising Inside this issue: MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR- SANTA CLAUS 1 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR MESSENGER ONLINE MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR- Cont. ART SHOW WINNERS= HARVEST FESTIVAL KIDS 4 VETERANS DAY EVENT 5 GILA NATIONAL FOREST NEWS SAPILLO VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE ROUNDUP LODGE NOTES SENIOR CENTER MENU 9 COMMUNITY CALENDAR & HAPPENINGS COUNTY CALENDAR 11 WHAT S COOKING IN THE MIMBRES TOPS-A FEW WORDS 12 OUR ADVERTISERS 13 STUDENTS FIELD TRIP CONEJO MIMBRENO IN NOV. 14 COLORING PAGE 15 UGLIEST SWEATER CON- TEST PRODUCE OF THE MONTH OUR ADVERTISERS 18 34TH STUDIO SALE 19 WHAT ARE YOU READ- ING? 20 A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR By: Anna Willhite November brought our first taste of wintry temperatures in the Mimbres Valley. But the reliable old sun broke through often enough for us to enjoy the brisk, sunny fall days now upon us. Freezing overnight temperatures have, however, sent gardeners scurrying to rescue their green tomatoes and other edible plants from ruin, and to bring the potted plants indoors. We are so much more fortunate than other parts of the country which have already been battling serious snow and cold. The Mimbres Valley is certainly a good place to be. Our format is a bit different this month. We have featured many of the activities that the students at San Lorenzo Elementary have been enjoying lately, including an archaeological field trip, their Veterans Day celebration and performance and the Harvest Festival. This month s Neighbor everyone is anxious to meet is none other than Santa Claus himself, complete with his evolving historical background. Thanks to the kind offer and good work by Bob Barnes of Hillsboro, the Mimbres Messenger is now accessible online including back issues from April, 2014 to the current November issue. Mr. Barnes produces The Black Range Rag and the Black Range website, which includes The Monticello Messenger, Hillsboro Historical Society Newsletter, Black Range Rag Newsletter and a wealth of history, current events, nature, authors, photographs the list goes on and on. He has been around in one form or another for centuries, and continues to be a favorite of us all There is also no sustainability article this month. The editor who writes those articles has been curiously scarce during the month of November. There have been serious rumors that perhaps he has been incapacitated by extreme altitude and cold. But word has begun to filter back that he has been working at a real job and trying to maintain a semblance of a normal existence. (Whatever that is.) Look for his triumphant return in future issues. As we close out 2014 with the 9 th issue of the Messenger under the current team, all of us associated with this publication are very grateful for the warm reception we have received and the interest of all our readers. We will welcome any suggestions or ideas for future articles or features. Write or e- mail us at the addresses on Page 20. We wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas, and a New Year of peace, health, happiness and many good days. MESSENGER NOW ONLINE! The Mimbres Messenger is privileged to be included on this superb website and we hope all our readers will take advantage of the wealth of local information, entertainment and items of current and historical interest. Our thanks to Mr. Barnes! Sign on to to get to the website. Page down the list on the left side of the page to find The Messenger. Happy reading. The Messenger will usually be available online before you can pick it up in hard copy! So save a tree!

3 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 3 Continued from page 1 - Santa After becoming firmly established in North American, Santa then underwent a kind of reverse migration to Europe, adopting local names like Père Noël in France and Father Christmas in Great Britain. No matter what they call him, children all over the world try to stay awake on Christmas Eve to catch him putting presents under the tree. They have also been known to leave Santa gifts of cookies and cocoa, to thank him for their presents. Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night. The Mimbres Valley Health Action League and the Mimbres Messenger Wish all of our readers a Happy Winter Holiday Season Whether you celebrate Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice Have a Joyful Holiday! Valle Mimbres Youth Art Show Winners There are many talented young artists in the Mimbres Valley. Of the juried submissions, 18 pieces of art were entered into the show. First Prize Winners Quinn Fine for his Blue Water with Boat and All the Fish (colored pencils on white paper) 5 to 8 year olds Tiger Lily Warner for her Coral Reef Sunset (dyed silk) 9 to 12 year olds Aryana Tallman for her Intriguing Company (markers, pencils, charcoal on paper) 13 to 18 year olds. Of the art work sold, 50% of the proceeds went to purchase healthy snacks, to be distributed through the San Lorenzo Elementary School in December. The Second Annual Valle Mimbres Youth Art Show will be held in May next year.

4 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 4 Celebrating Harvest Time and Fall Fun on the Mimbres Here in the Mimbres valley, people have been celebrating harvest time for a very long time. About 2000 years ago, the first Mimbreῆos, the Mimbres People, began growing corn to supplement the wild foods they gathered. By the Mimbres pueblo time period ( AD), they were dependent on the crops they grew along the rivers and smaller watercourses, and next to springs, and on some mesa tops. The People cleared land for fields and may have had irrigation canals. They built check dams to catch and hold the precious water. They introduced new crops to the valley and made pottery to store and cook the food they grew. The People left behind the remains of their pithouse and pueblo homes and beautiful painted pottery with images of the past. Mimbres artists painted pictures of corn fields, and garden pests (like rabbits and gophers and insects), and dancers, and what look like celebrations. The Mimbres People depended on the rain, as any of us with a garden still do. And the People, as do the Pueblo Indians, who still live in northern New Mexico, undoubtedly held special ceremonies and prayed for rain. In Mimbres villages, just as in those northern pueblos today, a sound was heard the sound of a storm moving in, the rumble of the thunder and rush of the wind the sound of a bullroarer or lightning stick moving through the air, calling in the needed rain. A Mimbres pot, found at a site in the Valley, shows a man whirling a bullroarer. Does the sound of the bullroarer bring the rain? Well. Not too long ago, students from San Lorenzo school visited a Mimbres pueblo ruin and whirled bullroarers. And the rain came! HARVEST FESTIVAL KIDS About 45 children participated in Conejo Mimbreῆo s Quest for Dark Treasure kids were given treasure maps and clues. The Grant County Archaeological Society, the Forest Service, the HF Info Booth, the 3 Q Coffeehouse, Dale Streams, and the ALHS YCC Students helped with the treasure hunt activity. The kids followed clues, got some prizes and chocolate treats, and learned a little, too. (Of course, the true treasure was the fun, and community spirit of the Harvest Festival and the Mimbreῆos). Young artists painted a mural, the Faces of Mimbres. Children made and whirled bullroarers and joined in the storytelling at the Entertain- Fresian Horse ment Tent, and learned about past harvest times in Mimbres. Kids had fun with clay and made clay pots and clay sculptures, made bead creations at the Bead Table, colored pictures, and made creations out of wood. THANK you to Harvest Festival Volunteers who helped with the Kid s Area activities and set-up and take down. Five Students (Kim Medin, Jasper Lane, Ian Ocheltree, Anels Estrada, and Teddy Muniz) from Aldo Leopold High School worked at the Children s Area. Alexis Ratcliff and Nana Tallman helped kids at the clay table. Kids having fun with the Bullroarers at the October Harvest Festival All photos courtesy of Peter Crum.

5 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 5 ALHS student, Jasper Lane, helping kids make bullroarers Faces of Mimbres mural painted by the kids at the Harvest Festival Veterans Day at San Lorenzo School Honoring our Veterans is a long- standing tradition at San Lorenzo Elementary School. Veterans were once again invited to a special luncheon followed by a patriotic performance by the students. The Veterans each received a Thank You card and a flag pin. San Lorenzo students performing for the Veterans. Patriotic 3 year old All photos courtesy of Marilyn Markel Waving the flag Saying the Pledge of Allegiance

6 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 6 GILA NATIONAL FOREST NEWS Silver City Ranger District Implements Seasonal Closures With winter approaching, the Silver City Ranger District on the Gila National Forest will be implementing seasonal closures for some campgrounds from November 12 to March 31, Temporarily closed for the winter: Iron Creek Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off N.M. 152 Lower Gallinas Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off N.M. 152 Upper Gallinas Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off N.M. 152 Railroad Canyon Campground, located in the Black Range Mts. off N.M. 152 Cherry Creek Campground, located off N.M. 15 McMillan Campground, located off N.M. 15 Please note that there are dispersed camping opportunities in the Black Range area along FR4087, FR4087A, FR4204X off of State Highway 152 and past the Forest Service boundary along Grant County Road 3-77 and FR 886 commonly referred to as the Royal John Mine Road. Visitors are reminded to be aware of weather conditions and the potential for flooding in areas across the forest. Always follow Leave No Trace principles, dispose of waste properly and leave the campsite clean for the next forest visitor. Please always practice campfire safety: Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of 5 feet in all directions. Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Never leave your campfire unattended! Avoid making a campfire during the windy part of the day. To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it s out cold. Every campfire will be put DEAD OUT before leaving it. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Silver City Ranger District at (575) Christmas Tree Permit Sales Began Nov. 24 Christmas tree permits went on sale at Gila National Forest offices starting Monday, Nov. 24, This year, the public could start purchasing the permits four days earlier than normal. By providing the additional service, families could obtain the permit and cut their Christmas tree during the Thanksgiving holiday along with any visiting family or friends and avoid the after Thanksgiving Day rush. Permits sell for $5.00 each with a limit of one permit per household, or free permits are available for the aromatic piñon trees. Any tree species up to 10 high may be cut. A Christmas tree tag, an information sheet on cutting regulations, and maps of designated cutting sites are included with the permits. To protect forest resources, tree cutting activities are not allowed within wilderness areas, riparian (river and stream) areas, and within 200 feet of paved roads and developed recreation sites. It is advisable for harvesters to check with local Ranger Districts for road and weather conditions prior to traveling on the forest. During this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable with rain or snowstorms making dirt roads muddy, snow packed, or impassable. Forest users are also asked to respect forest and private lands, dispose of litter in trash cans or pack it out, and close all forest gates after passing through them. For further information on Christmas tree cutting, please call or contact one of the Gila National Forest offices at FOREST SERVICE OFFICE CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING DAY

7 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 7 SAPILLO VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE CALL 911 in an EMERGENCY Such a SAVINGS DEAL we have for you!!! Hi readers. This is the season when everyone is looking for bargains. And everyone is offering bargains. From Target to Wal-Mart and throughout the world of the internet, everyone is offering bargains, sales, coupons, etc., in order to entice you to save on stuff during your shopping for the upcoming holiday seasons. Not wanting to be left behind in this savings frenzy, Sapillo Creek Volunteer Fire department is making you an offer we hope you can t refuse. We will come to your residence and assess your home for fire safety. FREE!* That s right, you read that correctly. FREE!* Such a deal we offer to you! We will come to your home and make recommendations for you to stay safe from wildland fires. If you provide coffee and cookies, we may even suggest local people to help you execute our recommendations. Just think of it, going through fire season with the smallest of worries. But wait! If you take advantage of this offer in the next two days, we ll double your order! That s right, double your order. We ll come twice! No shipping or handling fees will apply. Now where else can you find a bargain like this? But wait! If you are among the 1 st dozen residents to take advantage of this offer, we will give you absolutely free a brand spanking new (Are you ready for this?) SMOKE DETECTOR! YEAH! That rights folks. Be among the first twelve residents to place your order and we ll give you a new smoke detector. But wait! Drop everything you re doing and call right now and we ll even include BATTERIES with the smoke detector. And new batteries at that. Now I know what you re thinking. How can they do this? It s too good to be true. What s the catch? Well, we are just a small rural volunteer department. But we look at it like this. If you take advantage of this SPECTACULAR OFFER, you re actually saving us! That s right we won t have to drag out a bunch of hoses filled with water (they re a lot heavier with water in them you know) and spray down your place. It s actually in both of our selfinterests to take advantage of this SPECTACULAR OFFER! Don t be caught without one this season. Get your free assessment and free smoke alarm today! Just call the number on your screen. No, that s not right. Call the number below! Be the first one in your block to take advantage of this offer, and I ll guarantee you, you ll make your neighbors jealous. Just call That s for your very own assessment and free smoke detector.* *Terms and Conditions Residents must be of legal age. Home must be within our fire district boundaries which are roughly from the Cliff Dwellings to the Continental Divide on Highway 35 and down from the Cliff Dwellings on Highway 15 to Wild Horse Mesa. Offer is not good outside the U.S. This offer is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, the NFL. Residents understand that they are providing their information to the Promoter and not to NFL. The information which the residents provide will only be used for the purposes outlined in these Terms and Conditions. Paul Kenney, Chief Sapillo Creek Volunteer Fire Department

8 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 8 ROUNDUP LODGE NOTES November was a busy month at the Lodge, with the usual meetings and events, and a baby shower! December also promises to be an active, festive time at the Lodge. Although it has not occurred as this is being written, we know that the free community Thanksgiving Day dinner at the Lodge was well attended. The dinner served was assuredly delicious and enjoyed by all. Producing this meal is a prodigious undertaking, and the Booster Club and the many volunteers involved thank Peggy Platonos for organizing and implementing yet another great Thanksgiving dinner. Sadly, this was the last such dinner that Peggy will run for the Lodge. She has abandoned us for the lower altitude, sun and heat of Florida. At a recent Bon Voyage Tea Party, the Booster Club and many friends gathered to wish her safe travel and health and happiness in her new Florida home. She will be missed. On Saturday, December 13 th, the annual Christmas Bazaar/Swap Meet will be held at the Lodge from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Holiday gift-appropriate wares will be offered by local artists and craftspeople. It will be a relaxing opportunity to do some holiday shopping. The Mimbres Senior Center will have a bake sale at the Bazaar to support the Center. Food and snacks will be available, too. Don t miss this one. Relax on Sunday, December 14 th with a congenial afternoon of Bingo from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Lodge. Come by to play and visit with your neighbors and, maybe win an addition to your holiday budget! Snack bar opens at 1:30. It has been a busy year at the Lodge. Several new groups and organizations have begun holding their regular meetings there. And, as always, the Lodge has provided a venue for private parties and other community events. As we look forward to another successful year in 2015, all of us associated with the Roundup Lodge wish you a very happy holiday season. LOCAL CHURCHES MIMBRES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2622 Highway 35 in Mimbres (Next to the Senior Citizen s Center) Pastor Michael Brunk We invite you to join us for: Sunday Morning Worship at 10:15 AM Open Hearts ~ Open Minds ~ Open Doors CATHOLIC SERVICES San Lorenzo Mission Every Sunday at 9:30 am San Juan Mission Alternate Saturdays at 3:30 p.m San Jose Mission in Faywood Alternate Saturdays at 3:30 pm For information regarding San Juan and San Jose services call RIO MIMBRES BAPTIST CHURCH Mimbres Cactus Drive, Mimbres, NM Nursery provided 9:45 am to 12:30 pm Bible Study 9:45 am Wednesday Worship Services 6:00 pm Where everyone is welcome to worship Your Community Center Saturday, December 13th ~ 9am to 3pm CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SWAP MEET BAKE SALE Vendor tables may still be available. Call Anna or Mary at or Willhite200@aol.com ~ Tables $6 TEAMKIDS AND YOUTH GROUP 6 PM For grades Kinder-12th Phone: laceofjadeknight@hotmail.com 29 Mimbres Cactus Dr. Come and have fun and learn about our Creator!

9 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 9 SENIOR CENTER MENU CHRISTMAS DINNER WILL BE SERVED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17th Professional Care Giver Will take care of all your needs College educated and 30+ years experience Save driving record and excellent references Please call Christine Bachand Home Cell: Pieceofpita@Yahoo.com

10 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 10 COMMUNITY CALENDAR & HAPPENINGS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - EVERY TUESDAY - 5:30 pm Mimbres Roundup Lodge. Acklin Hill Road. Speaker meeting - last Tuesday of the month. For more information or CASAS ADOBES WATER ASSOCIATION - meets December 18th (third Thursday of every month) 6:30 p.m. Roundup Lodge. COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION - December 10th (second Wednesday of every month) - 12 NOON to 2:00 pm - Roundup Lodge Please bring a suitable box. Volunteers to help pack boxes are always needed. HMS MIMBRES CLINIC - Clinic Hours have been cut to two days. Monday and Wednesday 10 am to 5 pm LA ESPERANZA VINEYARD & WINERY -.December 13th 11 am to 3 pm ~ Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Prizes of $100, $50, and $20 Gift Certificates. Winery open Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Sunday, Noon to 7:00 pm. For more information call or MIMBRES FARM BUREAU - December 11th - Monthly meetings the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Pot-luck supper followed by a business meeting. MIMBRES VALLEY GIRL SCOUTS TROUP #049. EVERY MONDAY 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Roundup Lodge. All girls from Kindergarten to High School and home schooled girls are welcome. New and exciting programs and activities. For information, contact Pamela Grijalva at or come to a meeting. MIMBRES VALLEY HEALTH ACTION LEAGUE December 8th (Monday) - 5:30 pm MVHAL Board Meeting - 3 Questions Café., Highway 35. Members Welcome MIMBRES VALLEY ROUNDUP LODGE BOOSTER CLUB December 5th, FRIDAY - 5:30 pm - Please note date change. Normally meets first Thursday of each month. Roundup Lodge Booster Club monthly meeting. New members welcome. Light dinner served. December 13th - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Christmas Bazaar ~ Swap Meet ~ Bake Sale. Lots of great Christmas ideas. The next Swap Meet will not be until March. Vendor tables $6. Call Anna or Mary or Willhite200@aol.com December 14th - 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm - Bingo. Roundup Lodge - $5 a card or 3 for $ Grand prize $50.00 cash. MIMBRES VALLEY SENIOR CENTER - December 13th, Saturday The Senior Center will have a Bake Sale table at the Roundup Lodge Christmas Bazaar. LUNCH DAILY Reservations are requested one day in advance. Monday - Friday 11:30 Lunch December 22nd ~ Senior Center Advisory Council Meeting at the Center (meets 4th Tuesday of each month after lunch) MIMBRES VALLEY THERAPEUTIC HEALING MASSAGES - Tuesdays and Fridays - 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Highway 35. For appointments call TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Local meetings every week. Just for the health of it. For more information call Paula Norero at or at paula@gilanet.com. VALLE MIMBRES MARKET - NEW HOURS - TUESDAY to FRIDAY - 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm; SATURDAY 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Highway 35 Fresh organic and local produce, groceries and more. Credit, debit or EBT- Every Wednesday 5% off for Seniors. Every Saturday 10% off all fresh produce to everyone

11 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 11 COUNTY CALENDAR ALBERTSONS - DECEMBER 3rd - First Wednesday. Seniors 55+ get 10% off. All day. BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN - 2nd WEDNESDAYS - 6:00 pm Gila Regional Conference Room. Subject to change. Please call first BAYARD AL-ANON - WEDNESDAYS, 6:00 PM - Bayard Housing Authority Runnels Drive, (near Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bayard). BOOKMOBILE WEST SCHEDULE - THURSDAY, December 18th Mimbres - Mimbres Valley Café 9:45 am - 11:00 am Lake Roberts - Sapillo Creek Fire Station 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Doc Campbell s Post (near Gila Cliff Dwellings) 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm GRANT COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY - December 17th - 3rd WEDS - 6:00 pm at the Mimbres Roundup Lodge ~ Annual Christmas Party. For more information, call Marilyn Markel GRANT COUNTY ROLLING STONES GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY - December 11th (2nd THRUSDAY), 6:00 pm - Meeting and potluck. Bring your own service ware and dish to share. Silver City Senior Center W. Victoria Street in Silver City rollingstonesgms.blogspot.com Field trips the 3rd Saturday of the month. For more information contact Ansel Walters at HI LO SILVERS HOLIDAY CONCERT AND SING-A-LONG - SUNDAY, December 14 at 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 1915 North Swan Street, Silver City. Singers are directed by Valdeen Wooton and accompanied by Virginia Robertson and Nada Dates on piano and Bill Baldwin on bass violin. Free. MS SUPORT GROUP - First Tuesday of the month at 11:30 am for lunch in Silver City. Meetings are held in various Silver City area restaurants. New members with Multiple Sclerosis are welcome. huseworld@yahoo.com for the location. SILVER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - meets first Thursday of every month at 11:45 am. Normally meetings are held at the Red Barn Steakhouse in Silver City. There is a $15 charge for attendees wanting to eat lunch. There is no fee for people who want to attend without enjoying a meal. For more information contact the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce at SILVER CITY FOOD CO-OP COMMUNITY FORUM - Tuesday, December 9th and Thursday, December 11th from noon to 1 pm The blue building at 614 North Bullard Street. The forum is on Pressure Cooking. Fast food takes on a whole new meaning with a pressure cooker. The new pressure cookers are not your mother s pressure cooker : there are many safety features to prevent problems. Come learn how to create fast and delicious food as well as cook black beans better at high altitude and rice in no time. All of the educational forums are free to everyone. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Co-op at for you have any questions. WALGREENS - DECEMBER 2nd and 16th (first and third Tuesday of each month - SENIOR DISCOUNT - 20% off of items not on sale. WESTERN INSTITUTE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING (WILL) - all free of charge. WILL LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES - 12 NOON Public is invited free of charge to the Fall Semester Lunch and Learn Series. A diversity of talks offered on Wednesdays during the noon hour. Feel free to bring a bag lunch and bring a friend. Held at WNMU Global Resource Center ABC Room, 12th & Kentucky, Silver City or or

12 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 12 Santa Claus Cookies 3/4 c. Butter 5 Tbsp. Confectioners Sugar 2 c. Flour 1 tsp. Ice water 1 c. chopped nuts (pecans) - chopped very, very fine 1 tsp. vanilla Cream butter, add sugar and mix. Add flour, mix. Add ice water, nuts and vanilla and mix. Chill for minutes. Roll into balls and bake for minutes at 350. Roll in confectioners sugar. What s Cooking in the Mimbres is still available for purchase at Hupp s Hardware & Grocery, La Esperanza Winery, and the Elk X-ing Café or contact any member of the Booster Club. The $10 purchase price goes to maintain and improve the Mimbres Roundup Lodge - Your Community Center. Your Community Center DECEMBER BINGO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th ~ 2 pm to 5 pm CARDS $5 FOR 1 or $10 for 3 Plus Money Games A FEW WORDS ABOUT TOPS Now listen my friends, and you shall hear a few words about TOPS and its members so dear. The letters T-O-P-S, it s easy to see, stand for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. SNACK BAR OPENS AT 1:30 PM We re a group of good friends some large and some small, who need help with a problem familiar to all. You say no one cares; well, that s just not true. Around here we all want to encourage you. You say you re not really that much overweight? Then join our group before it s too late. Ask yourself a few questions- and please be sincere; If you answer them yes, then you belong here. Do you find yourself eating and not knowing why? Do you step on the scale and just want to die? Do you look in the mirror and groan with disgust? Have you stopped wearing belts? Is elastic a must? Do you nibble all day, than eat lots at night? Has your entire wardrobe become way too tight? Do you find you prefer not to visit the beach? Are your shoelaces getting much harder to reach? Does just rising from bed cause you to huff and puff? Are you plain sick and tired? Have you had enough? Well then, our TOPS group may be perfect for you. We inspire, support, and then follow through. If it s help and sincere understanding you seek, you ll find it at meetings we hold every week. Soon you ll see that you too have the gumption to do it. If you make up your mind and add willpower to it. You ve read this today and that s the first move. Weigh in with us next week, and then let us prove that losing with TOPS can be a real treat. Do join us next week-we ll save you a seat. Call Paula at or (paula@gilanet.com) GRAND PRIZE $50

13 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 13 Off the Grid Art Glass SASS 24-hour Crisis Line: N Black St * Silver City, NM Phone: * Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Lead, Foil, (traditional) Glass Painting, Fusing, Design and Repair Graydawn23@Yahoo.com PLEASE PATRONIZE ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS. THEY ARE THE PRIMARY REASON YOU GET THIS PAPER FOR FREE. New Mexico Legal Aid 301 W. College, Suite 17 Silver City, NM Office: Toll Free: Fax: New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Mimbres Local Local Farms Local Food Local People Meets at the Roundup Lodge the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm - Pot Luck supper followed by a business meeting HELP Habitat BUILD! CALL TO VOLUNTEER!

14 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 14 San Lorenzo Students Visit an Archaeological Site San Lorenzo 2 nd and 3rd graders went on a field trip to a Mimbres Archaeological Site here in the Mimbres Valley. Students from Aldo Leopold High School taught the San Lo kids about the Mimbres Indians, showed them how to grind corn using a mano and metate, let them whirl bullroarers, and helped them sketch pieces of pottery. The children learned about preservation and just what an amazing prehistoric people lived in the Mimbres Valley long ago. Conejo Mimbreῆo in November Mimbres Apples are the best! Did you guess where I was in last month s color page? I stopped by the WW Orchard to nibble on some delicious apples. I also learned some Mimbres Valley history. Did you know that the WW Orchard building was once the homestead of the McKinn Family? Way back in 1885, young Santiago (Jimmy) McKinn was taken captive by the Apache. Santiago lived with the Indians for half a year before he was returned to his family. ADVERTISING RATES FOR THE MESSENGER Prepaid rate for business card size ads are: 12 months $110 6 months $55 3 months $25 Monthly $10 Full page ads $50 1/2 page ads $30 1/4 page ads $20 Classified Ads. A small ad is $3. A larger ad with picture is $7. All ads must be submitted and paid by the 20th of the month. You can call to place an ad, or your ad to willhite200@aol.com Students learning and having fun on an archaeological field trip. Article and photos courtesy of Marilyn Markel

15 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 15 Where is Conejo Mimbreῆo? Sponsored by the Grant County Archaeological Society

16 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 16 That Ugly Christmas Sweater Could be Worth $$$ tis the season to show off your ugliest Christmas Sweater at Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest Saturday, December 13th Judging starts at 11 a.m. and goes to 2 p.m. ~ Announcement of winners at 3 p.m. 1st prize $100 Gift Certificate 2nd prize $50 Gift Certificate 3rd prize $20 Gift Certificate Mystery Prizes will be awarded Come and enjoy the Christmas season with friends. Eleven award-winning wines to choose from. Hors d oeuvres will be available. David and Esperanza Gurule ~ or Laesperanzavineyardand winery@gmail.com De La O, Sherman, NM Route 61 to Royal John Mine Road Follow signs to winery Valle Mimbres Market Tuesday through Saturday 12 pm till 6 pm Fresh Produce Natural Groceries 2739 Highway 35, Mimbres RESTAURANT DEL SOL Authentic New Mexican Food & More Dine In or Take Out Located inside La Tienda del Sol Highway Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 days a week Monday - Friday 8 am to 6:30 pm Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 6:30 pm NOW OPEN SUNDAYS David and Esperanza Gurule 100 De La O Sherman, NM Open for Wine Tastings Friday & Saturday 11am-7pm Sunday 12-7pm (505) (505) laesperanzavineyardandwinery@gmail.com

17 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 17 PRODUCE OF THE MONTH By Frankie at Valle Mimbres Market SPINACH (Spinacia Oleracea) A cold-season leafy crop originating from Syria or Persia, it was called the Prince of Vegetables. It belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family which includes beets, chard and quinoa. Selecting and Storing: Spinach comes with either savoy (wrinkled) or smooth leaves. Choose dark green crisp leaves. It can be stored for one week in a bag in the refrigerator. Spinach should be thoroughly washed in cold water before use. Best used raw or very lightly cooked to preserve its nutrients. When cooked, spinach volume will reduce to one quarter of its raw size. Nutrients: Low in calories and fat but high in fiber, it is rich in iron, iodine, vitamin A, B-1, B-6, C and K and other anti-oxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene, as well as potassium, manganese, copper and zinc. Due to its high amount of vitamin K, it should be avoided by people using anti-coagulant medicine. It also contains high amount of oxalic acid, which could crystallize as stones in the urinary track of susceptible people. Serving Suggestions: Best eaten raw in salad, as a sandwich topping, juiced, or blended into a dip with lemon juice, plain yogurt and shallots. In India it is popular as palak mixed with cheese, potato, fried rice or chicken. The versatile spinach can also be creamed, sautéed, steamed, or added to soup, casserole, stir-fry. It goes well with avocado, tomato, mango, garlic, corn, cheese, pasta, egg and fish. Recipe: Spinach Pie (Spanakopita) This spinach filling can be baked in phyllo sheets, puff pastry, calzone pastry or in a savory pie crust. The filling: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 3/4 cup minced shallots or 1 1/2 cup chopped onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 lb. baby spinach, rinsed, dried; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese or ricotta or cottage; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chopped walnut, pecan or piñon nuts; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup Italian parsley, chopped; (optional: 2 Tbsp minced mint leaves or 2 Tbsp minced chives); 1 Tbsp softened butter. In a large heavy-bottom pan, sauté the shallots or onions in the olive oil until translucent. Remove from pan and place into a large bowl. In same pan, add water and spinach. Cover and gently steam until just wilted. Drain spinach and squeeze out most liquid. Add cooled spinach to onion bowl. Gently incorporate cheese, nuts, eggs, herbs and spices. Stuff chosen pastry. Brush top of pastry with melted butter and bake at 375* F until filling has set and top is golden brown. Allow to cool and serve at room temp. $100 REWARD FOR LOST CAT Very friendly, large, fluffy yellow male cat. Lost around 35 and Georgetown Road. May answer to Tyco or Tyco Boy If you see him, please confine him and call And we will pick him up or (cell) Please stop by for an All You Can Enjoy Breakfast Buffet Served till at least 11:00 am Lunch served until 2:00 pm Fresh ground whole grain Bread, muffins, cookies, etc. Baked with purpose. Located just North of mile maker 2 on Highway 35 in Mimbres Open Tuesday through Saturday From 7:00 am to 2 pm

18 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 18 Botanical Notecards for all occasions Many designs to choose from Reasonably priced at $3 each or 4 for $10 Contact Sally Ginet at jnsdurango@yahoo.com ANITA SPERBERG Independent Beauty Consultant P.O. BOX 284 MIMBRES, NM N Hudson Street tom@laws-co.com Silver City, NM Fax Mimbres Valley Mobile Veterinary Services, PC Dale C. Streams DVM Mimbres Valley Therapeutic Healing Massage Tuesday and Friday ~ 9:30 am to 5:30 pm 2739 Highway 35 For appointments, call Shirley Mize Phone (575) Cell (575) Mile Marker 14 Highway 35 mize.shirley@yahoo.com Law Access New Mexico is a free telephone legal advice service for low income New Mexicans to help solve civil legal problems. Our toll-free helpline is open 8:45 am - 3:30 pm Monday Friday Asesoria Legal GRATIS via el telephono para personas viviendo en Nuevo Mexico con problemas legales civiles y cuyos ingresos sean bajos. Las Lineas estan abaiertas durante las horas de 8:45ms a 3:30pm, Lunes a Viernes.

19 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE th Annual Studio Sale Dec 6 & 7 at Mimbres Hot Springs By: Kate Brown The organizers of the Studio Sale at Mimbres Hot Springs were feeling quite smug about the longevity of their annual Studio Sale, now in its thirty-forth year, until someone mentioned an annual fair in Tuscany that has taken place for the past 1200 years. They then reminded themselves that it is nevertheless an achievement to have established a tradition in this day and age. People who came and were delighted as children are now bringing their own children to share in the beauty of the Mimbres and the festivities that accompany the annual invitation from the Mimbres Hot Springs community. They shop for the holidays, eat wonderful food, hear live music and possibly win a door prize. For thirty-four years, on the first weekend of December, community members share their hacienda building and courtyard with area artists and craftspeople. One room in the hacienda, known as the Big House, is reserved for budding artist/entrepreneurs: the Kid s Room is another longstanding tradition that sets this show apart from others. Enterprising elementary, middle and high schoolers sell a variety of hand-made items. Patrons are encouraged to visit and support these displays. Artists at the Studio Sale will represent many fine art and craft media. Clay: Romaine Begay, Kate Brown, Dayna Griego, Robin Parsons, Sarah Pineda. Jewelry: Bill Lindenau, Cedar Smith, Daria Tallman, Ginny Wolf Fiber Arts: Chamomile Connection, Marilyn Gendron, Pam Gibson, Chris McDaniel, Palomas Oil Cloth Designs, Tina Salmon, Blythe Whiteley, Prairie Small Susan Porter admiring artist, Marilyn Gendron s, work Photo courtesy of Joseph Gendron Glass: Wayne Mostellor, Isaac Clodfelter, Dayna Griego, Blythe Whiteley Body Care & Remedies: Desert Woman, Lizard Dreaming, Laura Ramnarace Paintings: Marilyn Gendron, Charlie Meckel Animation: Kate Brown Cut Paper: Dougan Hales Photography: Mitchell Clinton Tools & Instruments: Orien MacDonald Toys: Prairie Small Wreaths & Dried Flowers: Sharlene Grunerud The live music for Saturday will include two a cappella singing groups: The Fortnightly Bathing and Glee at noon and Glee Maidens at 1 pm. Jeannie McCleary and Ken Keppeler s chile gumbo duo, Bayou Seco will play from 2-4 pm. On Sunday, Jesi Tallman, Keyboards at 1 pm and Canadian singer/songwriter Awna Teixeira performs at 2 pm. A gourmet lunch will be available from Chef Brenna Brown. Fred Pineda will offer chair massages. The Studio Sale runs from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7. The door prize drawing takes place at 4 pm on both days. Mimbres Hot Springs is located off Hwy 61 in the Mimbres Valley. Turn at Royal John Mine Rd (between miles markers 19 & 20) and follow the signs 2 ½ miles. The community asks you to please leave your pets at home. WE NEED A GOOD HOME FREE Adorable and sweet 4 month old House Kittens One male and one female These are not barn cats. They were raised in the house and need a good, loving home. Call Cindy

20 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MIMBRES MESSENGER PAGE 20 Mimbres Messenger P. O. Box 137 Mimbres, NM Please any suggestions, articles, announcements, upcoming events, advertising, etc. for consideration by the editors to: willhite200@aol.com We re on the web Mimbres Messenger Farmers Market Harvest Festival BULLETIN BOARD Commodities Distribution The San Lorenzo Children s Garden MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 5:30 PM - Mimbres Valley Health Action League Board of Directors Monthly Meeting ~ Three Questions Café, Highway 35. Members Welcome WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 12 NOON - 2:00 PM Commodities Pickup ~ Roundup Lodge - Volunteers needed to pack food. Please bring suitable boxes. The Mimbres Valley Health Action League was founded for the purposes of improving the health, well-being, and quality of life for the people of the Mimbres region. Some of the ways targeted to do that are by improving communication and social networks, providing preventive health education, improving access to health and social services, increasing financial and economic stability, increasing recreation opportunities, increasing education opportunities, and promoting a safe and healthy environment. WHAT ARE YOU READING? If you hear or say, Read me a story at your house, this bigenerational book will surely please both. Knots on a Counting Rope By Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault Once again, Grandfather is telling his blind grandson how the young boy was born during a fierce storm and later, how he trained his colt to guide him through the mountains and canyons of his homeland and even to race! With each telling of the story, grandfather adds a knot to his counting rope. Listener and reader alike may get a knot in their throats also as they discover how a young boy accepts serious life challenges. The full page illustrations in soft colors, by Ted Rand, establish the mood for this read-again story of courage and determination. Mary Daniels Available at the Bayard Public Library. Room By Emma Donaghue Room is written from the point of view of a five year old boy. It soon becomes clear that the room encompasses his entire world. His mother was kidnapped by a middle aged man seven years previously and held in the room built for that purpose. How the mother manages to raise and teach the boy a sense of normalcy in that setting makes for a really good read. Then, of course, they escape. ~~~~~~~ The newest book by the same author is called Frog Music. It is based on the story of a prostitute in San Francisco during the days of the gold rush. Not your everyday story, but the author uses true documents and sources to flesh out her adventure. Sally Ginet This column, we hope, will inspire you to read and share your favorites books, both recent books or old favorites. It doesn t have to be a full-blown school assignment book report. It can be a book note describing a favorite read by title, identifying the author. Please include your contact information (in case we have questions). Access books online at and or mail your contributions to the Messenger at the addresses above. Let us hear from you!